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HVAC systems are used continuously in commercial buildings. In fact, HVAC systems account for roughly 41% of total commercial building electrical usage – almost double that of any other building system – according to Alliant Energy. (Air conditioning alone represents 45% of the total peak energy use.) This obviously increases monthly utility bills, but also presents a big opportunity for regular energy savings. (more…)

Just like any building system or piece of equipment, HVAC system performance decreases over time – for a variety of reasons.

Occupancy changes, regular wear and tear, weather and seasonal temperature fluctuations, other building system upgrades, routine HVAC maintenance, outdated technology, and building operators who don’t fully understand the system can all affect the performance of your commercial building’s HVAC system. (more…)

High energy bills, occupant discomfort, productivity loss, sick tenants – these can all be symptoms of possible HVAC system trouble. But once you determine that your commercial building’s HVAC system needs help, how do you solve the problem? Invest in HVAC repair or incur the costs of a new HVAC system? (more…)

The issues of climate change and global warming as they relate to energy efficiency have long been topics of debate. But according to the U.S. Department of Energy’s U.S. Energy Sector Vulnerabilities to Climate Change and Extreme Weather report, changes in weather and climate are already impacting the energy sector across the country. This interactive map, put together by the U.S. Department of Energy, shows the affects of increasing temperatures, decreasing water availability, and increasing intensity and frequency of storms and flooding in the last decade.(more…)

Making sure your building’s HVAC system runs efficiently goes a long way toward reducing energy costs, but upgrading or enhancing it can be expensive. The good news? HVAC efficiency is affected by almost every other system in your facility, so there are ways to increase HVAC effectiveness without touching the HVAC system at all. (more…)